sanse of smell and coronavirus

Can You Smell the Coronavirus?

Can’t taste the bacon cooking on the stove? Bad news. Don’t enjoy your favorite sweet and salty snacks the way you used to? Bad news. Didn’t notice that unpleasant aroma? Also bad news!

Trouble with smelling and tasting have recently been identified as one of the possible symptoms of coronavirus. There has been an increase in evidence suggesting that the loss of sense of smell, known medically as anosmia, may be a symptom of COVID-19. It also can be accompanied by a loss of taste. This however is not surprising, one of the frequent symptoms of viral infections is the loss of sense of smell, and COVID-19 is a cause by a virus.

With limited published data and the fast pace of what we are learning about this nasty novel coronavirus it’s important to stay alert to new information to help you and your loved ones stay healthy. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that so many people may not have obvious symptoms, or may have very subtle symptoms, and still may be carrying the virus and appear “healthy”. So while these folks feel and look healthy they still could be carrying the virus and unknowingly spreading it to others. Now that is really bad news! Social distancing, hand washing are the way to reduce this danger.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, please check out the CDC website for more information. Then have a discussion with your healthcare provider or someone at your local board of health to see if there are any steps you may need to take to protect yourself, those you love and your community.

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

Savanna Maloney

View posts by Savanna Maloney
Savanna Maloney is Project Manager at Men's Health Network.

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